a/n: my first FFVXIII fic and a second shot at an AU fic.
Disclaimer: rorudesu-chan does not own anything FFVXIII! SquareEnix does! :D
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"Oblivious Fate"
By: rorudesu-chan
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All tales begin with a Once upon a time. But this tale doesn't begin with that line. It begins quite differently. It started with a night wherein the fate of two people entwined. It was in every choice they made that brought them close to each other. Close enough that love itself was the price exchanged for betrayal.
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On one night, like many others, a dominant family threw a grand celebration to commemorate the success of their company's various achievements. These were the achievements that changed the lives of many, especially theirs. The Crystal was the Caelum family's own discovery that bore its roots from a long line of generations. Through this Crystal, they were able to create numerous contributions to the different kingdoms of the world. From medicinal aid to military weaponry, the Caelum clan could give it as one names it. And after decades of success, control and fortune, the Caelum dynasty is to be governed soon under the rule of a young prince named, Noctis Lucius Caelum. But his destiny was fated to be a rough one. For enemies bound around, waiting for the right moment to strike against his kingdom.
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Chapter 1: Star-crossed Night
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The large room was brightly lit with chandeliers of diamond affixed in alternate sequences upon the ceiling. The buffet tables set up on the sides were feasted with scrumptious delights that would please and fill every guest's plate. Prestigious people from the gates of every kingdom were invited to celebrate the Caelum family's achievements. Some of them stood and adored the floral decorations that were planted in every corner of the room. Whilst others, danced and talked and did any form of interaction to express the mood of what a grand party was supposed to be. With this sight, it can bear to one's mind that this celebration was very much alive.
"Prince Noctis," A short bearded, middle aged man fished for the attention of a gentleman in a tux that stood beside a dining table. "I'm enjoying this party that your kingdom has prepared for. I'm impressed as well."
"Thank you, Ambassador Gainsfair. It is my honor for your presence to be here." Noctis smiled politely as he took a sip from his wine glass. The stout Ambassador grinned in return and excused himself as the Prince was once again left alone in the corner.
"Prince Noctis!" A melodic pitch caught Noctis' attention once more. He looked around for the source of that voice and found that it was owned by his escort.
"Is it really alright for you to seclude yourself from the others? This is a party you know, or did you forget?" She slowly positioned herself beside Noctis and the Prince just smirked in reply.
"A party or a gathering is an opportunity to meet others. C'mon, let's get you acquainted."
"Tifa, I don't really need—" Noctis was only able to put down the wine glass on the table's edge as his escort started lugging him with a teasing force.
"Look at you! A prince who doesn't even interact with the other elites? Pity…" Tifa pulled the reluctant Noctis out of his secluded space and lead him to a spot where a pair stood.
"Stella!"
Tifa called out to a young blonde haired lady dressed in a simple yet elegant white dress. Next to her was her escort, dressed in a tux similar to that of Noctis'. The Prince, who was still held on the wrist by his brown haired escort, shyly tried to avoid the eye contacts of his would-be acquaintances. He looked up and down and sideways in a ridiculous attempt to get himself out of any self introductions.
"Hello Tifa! It's great to see you here. How are you?" As if the party's ambience wasn't bright enough the smile of the girl named, Stella, illuminated it even more. Tifa halted and prepared herself and Noctis for an introduction.
"I'm fine, Stella. Oh, this is—" Tifa was politely interrupted by Stella who immediately posed a graceful bow before the young, handsome monarch.
"Prince Noctis Lucius Caelum. It is an honor to meet you."
"This is Stella Nox Fleuret. She's the Ambassador of the kingdom of Tenebrae who happens to be my cousin as well." Tifa graciously gestured as they both stood before Stella and her date.
"Pleased to meet you." Noctis' less enthusiastic expression made up for the shyness that budded inside him. For a second, Noctis' dark eyes clashed with Stella's bright ones. But the Prince quickly tore that stare away, fearing any intimacy that could grow.
"So um, Stella… Do you mind introducing us to your date?" Tifa playfully glanced at the man that stood quietly beside her. Although he wasn't saying anything, Stella's date kept a smile tucked above his chin as a sign of respect to company.
"Right," The young Ambassador held her escort by the arm and introduced him to Tifa and Noctis. "Prince Noctis, Tifa, this is Cloud Strife. He's a close friend and an ally to the kingdom of Tenebrae."
Noctis just courteously nodded but Tifa could've sworn her cheeks flare up in pink as she gazed at the face of Stella's date. Something about his intense blue eyes and spiked blonde locks attracted her and made her give less attention on the fact that the man that stood beside her was the Prince and was her date for the evening.
"It's also an honor for me to meet you, Prince Noctis. And you as well, Tifa." Noctis blinked as he strangely noticed how the Ambassador's date said Tifa's name. It was well, sweet. Could there be a spark between them? Stella too, noticed the luster in Tifa's eyes as Cloud spoke with that deep, beguiling voice of his.
"I hope both of you are enjoying the night." Noctis broke away any tension and tried to be 'sociable' but his serious tone of voice gave away any possible enjoyment. Nevertheless, Stella replied with much endearment.
"Yes, Cloud and I are enjoying the evening. Is Prince Noctis enjoying it as well?"
Ring! Ring! Ring! Noctis' answer was already on the tip of his tongue but before any reply was made, a polyphonic ringtone was heard. Both couples were slightly surprised and tried to find the sound's source. Noctis reached into the inner right pocket of his tux and felt the vibration of his phone ringing.
"Excuse me, I'll have to take this call." Noctis swiftly retreated away from the others and was followed by eyes of curiosity from his date and newly met acquaintances.
"Is the Prince always this busy?" Stella innocently asked Tifa whose wine colored eyes were still following Noctis.
"Sometimes he is. But, Noct—Prince Noctis, makes sure that he divides his time between his royal duties and studies."
"Studies?" Tifa returned her gaze to Stella and occasionally, took glances at Cloud as well.
"Yeah, Stella. He's about your age. A senior in high school. After he graduates from the university, he's going to take on family matters from then on. Oh! Have I said too much?" The Ambassador's cousin teasingly smiled at her mistake.
"No, no. Its fine, Tifa."
"Never mind that, why don't the two of you go dancing? This party is worth those shoes, Stel." The two young women gazed at Stella's heels that gracefully accentuated her feet, while Cloud just looked ahead, knowing that he has no profound interest in the female concept of footwear.
Stella turned her eyes on Cloud and felt the need to do what she thought was best. "No thanks, Tifa. I think I'm going to raid the buffet of its low calorie salad… Hey, Cloud,"
"Yeah?" the blue eyed escort turned to Stella.
"Why don't you and Tifa dance tonight so the both of you can get to know each other more?"
Stella looked at Tifa who kept her giddiness inside while biting her lower lip. Cloud, whose eyes looked politely hesitant at first, asked for an 'official' permission from the Prince's escort.
"Care to have this dance, Tifa?" Cloud held out his right hand and bowed down a little before the elegant lady in a black cocktail.
"No… I can't, Stel. He's your date, remember?" Tifa wasn't that hard to persuade though. She clearly wanted to dance with Cloud and to talk to him and maybe even more of that. Stella saw through this undoubtedly.
"I told you, its okay with me, Tifa. Cloud, please lead her into the dance floor. I'm sure my cousin wants some fine-looking bachelor to dance with her this evening." Stella smiled contently as she placed Tifa's hand upon Cloud's.
The daughter of Tenebrae was quite pleased when she saw Cloud and Tifa's instant attraction towards each other. It seemed as though her date wasn't her date anymore as her escort slow danced with the silky haired maiden. But this didn't bother Stella even an ounce. Her mind was too boggled by a certain Prince whose eyes were so full of mysteries that made her want to tinker through.
Stella slipped away quietly from the scene and looked around the room for any sign of a charcoal haired Prince. She headed past the buffet table, not having any interest on any diet salad, and finally, she walked herself into a balcony where her search ended. There, on one corner of the palace's terrace, stood Noctis with his phone held beside his left ear. Stella quietly approached the Prince and made no sound before his call was over.
"…Yeah, I'll make sure to get back on that as soon as I can."
Beep. Noctis ended the call with a push of a button on his silver clamshell. He was looking forward to a peaceful evening. But apparently, that call washed away any hopes of tranquility. He tucked the phone back into his pocket and gazed at the evening scenery before him.
"Prince Noctis…" Although Noctis made sure that the person who called him didn't see him quite startled, his jerked up shoulders was a sure sign that he was. The Prince spun around and saw Stella walking towards him slowly, with her hands playfully tied behind her back. As if by reflex, Noctis quickly turned around, avoiding any facial contact with the beautiful lady from Tenebrae.
"The evening is very nice, isn't it? The moon is beautiful as well." Stella stopped beside where the Caelum heir stood and she rested her dainty arms upon the balcony's marble fence. As she stared at the moon, Noctis couldn't help but stare as well. At her. There was something with the way Stella gazed upon the moon. It looked as though it calmed her. But before Stella caught him gazing at her, Noctis immediately took his eyes off her and moved a little bit further from his acquaintance.
"Is something wrong, Prince Noctis?" The blonde Ambassador wondered openly at the Prince's sudden action.
"No, nothing's wrong." Noctis coolly replied as he too, rested his arms upon the balcony's fence. He looked straightforward and felt Stella's gaze on him which wasn't quite long as he nervously expected. "And, you can just call me, 'Noct'."
Stella simply smiled as she turned her sky blue eyes again upon the moon that shone off brightly in a full circle. The balcony where they were, overlooked a pond wherein numerous fireflies danced beneath the water's surface. Noctis tried to concentrate on staring at the graceful fireflies to avert his nervousness from himself. Ever since he was young, he wasn't really good in socializing with others particularly of the opposite kind. He wasn't exactly sure why, but something about first impressions and judgment cowards his confident away. Because of this, he tainted this social weakness of his with a cool demeanor that would always manage to steal away any doubts in his persona. But unfortunately, amongst all the people that managed to be tricked by Noctis' sheet of coolness, this 'Stella' was able to see through what he tried to desperately hide. She knew it the first time they met when she tried to look into his eyes but instead, the mysterious Prince pulled away from the contact. Stella was quite enchanted by this avoidance because usually, boys like the Prince wouldn't dare to turn away from a sweet smile that was etched upon her lips. He was different. And so was she. Besides Noctis' late mother, Stella was the second girl to ever want to know more about him. Others before her would simply get intimidated and this was what Noctis kind of hoped for this one.
"I love nights like these. Just staring at the moon, takes me away from reality." Stella spoke as Noctis kept an ear on what she was saying.
"So there's something about reality that you don't like?" Noctis was surprised that a reply actually escaped from his lips. He was thinking about just nodding at what she said and answering some 'yes' and 'no' if needed. Maybe it was something about what Stella spoke of that enthralled the young Prince.
"There are a couple of things that I don't like about reality. But I can't hate them…" Noctis swerved his head a little as he wanted to hear more of what Stella said. Somehow, he felt like he could relate to her words as well.
"Because in a way, I'm bounded with them…"
"And what can you do about it?"
"Hmm…." Stella paused before giving her response. "I haven't thought about that. You're actually the first one to ever ask me a question like that."
"So it is."
"But, if you were in my situation… What would you do?"
It took a few moments before Noctis gave her his answer. But nevertheless, Stella patiently waited for it with much enthusiasm. Knowing so, might help her one way or another.
"Forgive me, Stella. I… I don't have the answer that you want."
"Oh." Stella hung her head low in disappointment but quickly raised it and spoke to Noctis again with certainty. "Well then, I guess we'll just have to keep looking for an answer, right?"
"…we?"
"Yes, of course. This little question is 'ours' to answer. When either of us finds the answer, we'll tell it to each other."
Noctis felt a twinge in his chest. He had a lot of unanswered questions that he had already lost hope in a long time ago. He wasn't certain he—they, could even answer this one in particular.
"We don't have to look because I don't think there's ever going to be an answer for that." Noctis couldn't believe how coldly he replied to her. Stella being an epitome of optimism, felt her shield crack with Noctis' words. It was an awkward moment between the two. The young daughter of Tenebrae, simply casted her stare on her side as she tried to pull herself back together.
"But I'm pretty sure, we can try to find one." The Caelum Prince has hoped that this would be a lifesaver for his rigid words towards the ambassador.
Stella smiled carefree at Noctis' efforts to take his words back. "Yeah… I hope so." The cool evening breeze gently ran through Stella's blonde tresses and Noctis' charcoal spikes and the gentle gale also swept away the moment of uneasiness between them.
"I'm sorry about our dates, Prince Noctis." Despite what Noctis told Stella to call him, she insisted and went on with her apology as if nothing happened.
Noctis turned his attention to Stella who was now looking at him with warm, sapphire eyes. And as if by reflex again, Noctis spun his head diffidently from her and walked slowly away from the balcony's edge.
"It's alright, Stella. Tifa and Cloud seemed to be enjoying themselves." Through the glass door, Noctis spotted the couple conversing with each other at a nearby table. Cloud seemed amused at how Tifa looked stunningly beautiful as she smiled in between sentences.
The blonde diplomat took off from the edge of the balcony also and followed Noctis slowly. As if by some kingdom culture that 'legally' inverted a situation, Stella popped up a question that could certainly flatter Noctis if he was the girl between them. "Would Prince Noctis care for a dance?"
"Noct," He politely corrected Stella whom he bravely faced. "And as enjoying as it sounds, I can't. I'll have to be leaving now."
"It's alright." Stella shook her head sideways in response. "So I guess I'll see you around then… in the University, perhaps?"
For a brief moment, Noctis stood and realized that the young female Ambassador was most likely the same age as he was since she talked about the 'Regius', the only University that catered to every kingdom's elite gents and ladies. Before finally bidding farewell to the gracious Fleuret, the Prince nodded in assurance that their paths will traverse again soon.
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Despite the inviting atmosphere that the party created, Noctis obviously wasn't drawn to it as he left the function hall without any reluctance. There waiting for the Prince outside, was his raven black car with his driver who stood waiting while holding the passenger door open for him. Noctis stepped inside and the door shut behind him gently.
"Were you able to meet her, Prince Noctis?" A gray bearded man in a military-like uniform asked his company in an authoritative tone.
"Yes, I was able to meet her."
"That is very, very good to hear. She is an essential piece to us, my Prince. She will help bring the land of Tenebrae to our possession. Be careful not to lose sight."
"It won't be hard as you think, Arkenis. She goes to Regius like me. I'm sure it won't be difficult to keep track of her."
"It's not her I'm really worried about. It's you, Prince Noctis."
Noctis' cold eyes stared at his superior whose legs were crossed one over the other. He overtly speculated at what that Arkenis spoke of. The official gave no reply except for silence, seems like he was expecting for the adolescent Prince to find it out for himself. Through the rear view mirror, the man who sat beside the Prince, gave a simple eye gesture for the driver. He understood as he started the car's engine and then finally drove off the monarchy into the night.
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Hours have passed and the party was turning down for the night. Guests were entering into their own private vehicles while some others waited at the porch or at the lobby. In one corner of the foyer, stood two beautiful women engaged in a converse.
"He said that we can both try to find an answer…"
"Hm..? What was that Miss Stella?"
"No, it's nothing. Anyways, thanks for your help, um…"
"Tifa Lockhart. I don't think we've been formally introduced." The brunette held out her hand and smiled courteously.
"Yes, we haven't. I'm Stella Nox Fleuret. Here, thanks again for being my cousin for tonight and introducing me to the Prince." The Tenebraean reached into her velvet purse and handed a small white payment envelope to the gorgeous woman dressed in black.
"It's no problem at all." Tifa reached for the envelope and grinned happily. "Because of you, I was able to meet a guy. He says he's going to call me, tonight. He's very… charming."
"Good for you, Miss Lockhart. I'm glad I was able to help in a way."
"Yeah, but, I was wondering though. Why did you need me to introduce yourself to him? I mean, you're the Ambassador of Tenebrae right? You could've just come right in front of him."
"That may be true however, we wouldn't want the Prince to think so impolitely of me."
Ring! Ring! A polyphonic sound was heard once more. The ringing sound came from Stella's purse. She immediately opened her sequin bag and reached for her phone.
"Good night, Miss Stella." Tifa politely slipped away as Stella waved her goodbye before pressing the answer button on her off-white sidekick.
"Mission accomplished." Stella sternly stated as she cautiously looked around if there were any ears that might tap into their conversation. She walked into a darker place in the lobby before talking further to her caller.
"He left a few hours ago. But I was able to talk with him for awhile."
"Good. Report back to head office now. Your next task will be given then."
"I'm on my way." With a twist in her T-mobile, the golden-locked beauty quickly walked herself out of the hall. Once outside, she reached for the car keys in her purse and unlocked her parked Porsche just a foot away. Stella drove off into the night, and ventured towards a place where only she, knew of.
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a/n:
Tifa: "I'd never thought you'd be a good actor, Cloud!"
Cloud: "Hn? What are you talking about, Tifa?"
Tifa: "You know, in rorudesu's fic.. We made a special apperance. I was Noctis' date and you were Stella's.. remember? You acted it how she wrote it."
Cloud: "Yeah, right. 'Acted'." *wink*
Tifa: "You mean to say you weren't acting at all?"
Cloud: "No. I'm very serious in everything I do."
Tifa: "Oh, I see. Well then, I hope you don't strain that pretty face of yours. I'm expecting cute babies in the future. You know, those that can be endorsers for the best diapers in Midgar..."
Cloud: O_______o b-babies?
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okay, okay, that was a bit corny/cheesy. hahahaha. anyways, this isn't a crossover, if anyone asks. :D
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Please, please, please tell me what you think of this fic!! Do you want the next chapter? Is the plot too predictable? Is Noctis and Stella OOC? Tell me what you think! Review! Thanks! :D
